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Raritan Valley Community College approves budget, will increase tuition

BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP, NJ (Somerset County) – The Raritan Valley Community College Board of Trustees has approved a $57.1 million operating budget for FY 2024.

“The College is confronting two persistent challenges—declining enrollment and stagnant State funding—as it also faces higher costs in healthcare, utilities, and operating expenses. The new budget will ensure that RVCC has the critical resources to continue supporting our inspiring students, helping them transform their lives, while keeping tuition at an affordable level,” said RVCC President Michael J. McDonough.

The Board also approved a $4,148,407 major capital budget, of which $2,074,203 will be provided by Somerset and Hunterdon counties and $2,074,204  by the State through Chapter 12 funds. “We are very grateful to the Counties of Somerset and Hunterdon for their ongoing support of Raritan Valley Community College,” said Dr. McDonough.

The major capital budget will be used predominately for building and infrastructure projects. Some of the major components of the capital budget include:

  • $3,190,000 for Workforce Training Center program expansion
  • $300,000 for mechanical system and infrastructure upgrades
  • $250,000 for major roadway repairs
  • $108,407 for classroom renovations

The Board also approved a $750,000 minor capital budget, which is designated primarily for technology and other instructional and building-related equipment.

The operating budget reflects a 4% increase over last year. The increase is due to rises in costs for employee healthcare and other benefits, and a continued decline in the size of the area high school graduation classes.

The new budget includes a $6 per credit tuition increase, which the RVCC Board of Trustees approved at the March 28 board meeting.

The budget now goes to the Board of School Estimate for approval at its meeting on May 17. The Board of School Estimate includes two county commissioners from Somerset County, two county commissioners from Hunterdon County, and two members of the RVCC Board of Trustees.

For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

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